Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Friday Empire State Development has approved more than $9 million in New York state broadband grants to support five projects that will expand access to broadband services for approximately 33,000 households, 4,500 businesses and 55 community anchor institutions across upstate New York, including in the Capital Region, Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central New York, North Country and Mohawk Valley regions.

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont, announced today the company is boosting its support for Roswell Park Cancer Institute in a big way this year by signing on as a "Big Wheel" sponsor for The Ride For Roswell 2014, which will be held Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28.

The new sponsorship significantly extends Tops' existing support for RCPI, best known through its annual Run/Walk for Roswell. The Tops Run/Walk is a family-friendly event held each August in Williamsville to raise funds through Roswell Park's Team Cure Challenge program. Over the past six years, the event has raised more than $625,000 with the support of Roswell Park, the local community, vendor partners and Tops associates.

Every time I get a few dollars ahead and think I will have a vacation someplace other than Veranda Beach, a silent alarm must go off at my house.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has released new data showing post-production business is booming in New York state as the industry continues to experience significant growth one-and-a-half years after the strengthened and expanded post-production tax credit program was signed into law.

The data, compiled by the Post New York Alliance, shows a major increase in new, permanent post-production jobs since July 2012, resulting in the creation of more than 240 new jobs - with more than 70 jobs created in the past six months alone. This new post-production business is expected to lead to nearly $100 million in new spending in the state.

The National Association of Home Builders recently presented its prestigious "Project of the Year Award for Green Site Development - Single-family Detached" to Natale Builders for the company's construction of the ultra-efficient, environmentally friendly Rivera Greens subdivision. Located in Clarence, the 35 sustainable green homes in the community were all built to meet certification requirements for the National Green Building Standard.

The Energy Efficiency Innovation Collaborative (EE-INC), a public-private partnership of energy industry leaders spearheaded by the New York Power Authority, is looking to improve energy efficiency in New York state buildings, and spur economic growth in emerging technologies, bringing new and expanding businesses to the state.

"The goal of this collaborative is to spur the growth of the most promising energy-saving innovations, with a focus on those that match the energy needs of public buildings," said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. "Encouraging highly promising and expanding energy efficiency companies will also offer increased economic development benefits for New York state. In short, it means jobs."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the launch of the largest business competition in the U.S. Details for the Buffalo competition, as well as its new brand, 43North (www.43North.org), were revealed at a press conference at One Canalside, a newly rehabbed building overlooking the transformative new construction along Buffalo's waterfront.

CVS Caremark announced today it will stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products at its more than 7,600 CVS/pharmacy stores across the U.S. by Oct. 1, making CVS/pharmacy the first national pharmacy chain to take this step in support of the health and well-being of its patients and customers.

"Ending the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products at CVS/pharmacy is the right thing for us to do for our customers and our company to help people on their path to better health," said Larry J. Merlo, president and CEO of CVS Caremark. "Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose."

The Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board announced Monday it has recommended $245,570 in funding to two Western New York enterprises: Living Green Insulation on Buffalo's east side, and Eden Valley Growers in Eden. In total, the latest projects recommended for funding awards are expected to create 35 jobs and result in investments by project applicants of $1.29 million.

The recommendations will be considered by the New York Power Authority board of trustees at its Feb. 25 board meeting.

As the Internal Revenue Service starts processing returns, it joins partners nationwide in launching the Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day outreach campaign to ensure millions of low- and moderate-income workers get the credit they deserve (and get it right).

Local officials and community organizations across the country are holding news conferences and outreach events highlighting the benefits of this key work incentive for individuals and families who earned $51,567 or less last year. An estimated four out of five eligible workers and families get the credit, but millions miss it annually either because they don't claim it when filing, or don't file a tax return at all.

Niagara Frontier Publications Publisher Skip Mazenauer was presented the Niagara University Family Business Center Vision Award on Jan. 29. The award recognizes businesspeople who are successful, lead a family- or privately owned Western New York business, are committed to benefiting the community, and who have created something when others did not foresee an opportunity.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli urges New Yorkers to see if any of the $12.5 billion in lost and forgotten money currently being held by his office could be theirs. More than 30 million accounts are unclaimed in New York, some dating back to the 1940s. An interactive map created by DiNapoli's office shows the number of outstanding accounts and monetary values by county.

Congressman Brian Higgins, D-NY-26, has prepared legislation that will ease the ability for Canadians to own a home and live in the U.S. while working in Canada. The bill is aimed at providing new economic opportunities for the Buffalo/Niagara region while giving Canadians affordable living options just over the border.

"From our automobile factories to sports franchises and vacation rental properties, to retail outlets, the economies of Western New York and Southern Ontario are already deeply connected," Higgins said. "This legislation only seeks to further advance the mutually beneficial and intertwined economies of our two friendly nations by welcoming Canadians as U.S. homeowners."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo delivered his 2014 executive budget address Tuesday, outlining a disciplined and innovative plan that allows for tax cuts that will create jobs, grow the economy and provide much-needed relief for struggling families.

"In the past, budgets in New York state have meant little more than out-of-control spending that catered to special interests and created a fiscally dilapidated and unhealthy New York. But over the last three years, with fiscal discipline and responsible policymaking, New York state has turned a $10 billion deficit into a $2 billion surplus and made the government work again," Cuomo said.

The University at Buffalo will host a Commercialization Lecture Series event on Jan. 30 to introduce businesses and entrepreneurs to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's START-UP NY initiative, which creates tax-free zones for certain businesses in university communities across the state.

Speaking at UB's New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, UB Associate Vice President for Economic Development Marnie LaVigne, Ph.D., will provide attendees with information on START-UP NY, which is available to new and expanding businesses, and companies looking to relocate from outside New York.

News from the New York State Association of Counties finds sales tax receipts are slowing in a number of counties upstate, reflecting a still fragile recovery among consumers from the prolonged recession that began in 2008.

The fourth quarter in New York shows a mixed picture and uneven impact of sales tax on a county-by-county basis. While aggregate sales tax collected statewide is up by 5.24 percent ($26.7 billion compared to $25.4 billion), much of the total dollar increase is generated from strong growth in New York City, Long Island and downstate counties, likely due to Hurricane Sandy rebuilding.

Looking for a new job? Many people use the start of a new year as motivation to secure their dream position. Are you one of them? If the answer is yes, BBB serving upstate New York has some job-seeking advice.

One way to learn about new job opportunities and develop relationships with potential employers is through the social media channel LinkedIn. This is a very useful tool for job searching, but with many job seekers using LinkedIn to market themselves to potential employers, scammers also are finding ways to exploit the site by posing as recruiters.

Doodle Bugs! Children's Centers, a leading education-based child care provider, is celebrating 22 years of building a "Doodle community" of happy children, happy parents and happy children both inside and outside the centers.

Submarine-like body sensors and a new way to snuff out fungal infections are among the highlights from a year of inventing at the University at Buffalo.

In 2013, UB filed provisional patent applications - the precursor for a regular patent application - for 31 discoveries made by its researchers.

The five technologies below represent some of the most promising.

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. board of directors voted to enter into a contract with Global Spectrum, one of the world's largest and most respected venue management companies, for public space management at Canalside in Buffalo. Global Spectrum was selected based on its extensive knowledge of how to successfully manage and operate destinations and venues, its experience with similar projects, and its ability to leverage existing national relationships and affiliates to market Canalside and generate revenue.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement in response to the latest news regarding last November's Target data breach.

"The news that Target has discovered a breach involving 70 million customers is deeply troubling. Consumers in New York and around the country expect and deserve companies that protect their personal information when they shop on their websites and in their stores."

In response to the state of emergency declared by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo for the areas of Western New York impacted by Monday's major winter storm, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued an open letter to vendors warning against price gouging, the inflation of the price of necessary goods and services. General business law prohibits such increases in costs of essential items such as food, water, gas, generators, batteries and flashlights, and services including tree trimming/removal, emergency structure repairs, or snowplowing, during natural disasters or other events that disrupt the market.

New York's retailers used deep discounts, extended hours, and heavy promotions to attract shoppers during the 2013 holiday shopping season, mustering an increase in sales volume of some 3-to-4 percent over a similar time period in 2012.

Merchants surveyed by the Retail Council gave the season an average letter grade of B-minus.

"It's hard work," said Retail Council President and CEO Jim Sherin. "The competition gets tougher year after year. Retailers of every size have to be quick on their feet to respond to consumer trends that shift at unprecedented pace."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced details of a more than $2 billion tax relief proposal designed to increase economic opportunity and attract and grow businesses across the state. He said today's proposals are the next major step in New York's continued transformation to a more affordable state for businesses and families.

"Over the past three years, we have made unprecedented progress toward curbing the rise of taxes and government spending in New York, transforming a state budget with a $10 billion deficit to a $2 billion surplus," Cuomo said.

In response to the statewide emergency declared by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in anticipation of Winter Storm Hercules, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued an open letter to vendors warning against price gouging, the inflation of the price of necessary goods and services. General Business Law prohibits such increase in costs of essential items like food, water, gas, generators, batteries and flashlights, and services like tree trimming/removal, emergency structure repairs, or snowplowing, during natural disasters or other events that disrupt the market.

Fuccillo Automotive Group presented the Salvation Army with $200,000 Dec. 23 at Fuccillo Chevrolet of Grand Island as part of this year's campaign in which Fuccillo matched red kettle proceeds throughout Upstate New York.

National Fuel Gas Co. has announced David F. Smith, executive chairman of the board, indicated his intention to retire, effective April 1, 2014. Smith will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors.

"National Fuel is today a better company for its employees, its investors, and the customers we serve because of Dave's leadership and dedication," said Ronald J. Tanski, president and CEO. "During his five years as CEO, Dave established the current course of the company, focusing attention and significant resources on development in the Marcellus Shale as Seneca Resources Corporation's total production nearly tripled and the company's pipeline business commenced an historic, transformational realignment. Under his direction, the company continued to prioritize and invest in pipeline safety, system reliability and all levels of customer service."

The law firm of Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP recently announced Diane M. Perri Roberts was named to Business First and the Buffalo Law Journal's Legal Elite of Western New York 2013.

Business First and the Buffalo Law Journal annually ask attorneys and businesses across Western New York to nominate "stellar" attorneys in various legal practice areas. Based on nominations submitted, they develop a list of attorneys to be named to Legal Elite of WNY.

Perri Roberts is special counsel at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria.

Jim Toellner, president and general manager of WGRZ-TV, has been named Broadcasting & Cable Magazine's GM of the Year in markets 51-100.

Broadcasting & Cable Magazine, the pre-eminent trade magazine in the television industry, states, "An investment in reporting and a watchdog mentality are catalysts for Jim's success in turning WGRZ into the market leader in Buffalo."

"Television is a team sport, and our great team here at Channel 2 is responsible for this award," Toellner said.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the New York Power Authority board of trustees approved allocations of low-cost hydropower to three manufacturers in Erie and Orleans counties that will lead to the creation of 643 new jobs and capital investments of approximately $206 million.

"Today's low-cost hydropower allocations are a major win for Western New York, helping to create more than 600 new jobs, while reducing business costs to support the manufacturing industry," he said. "As we grow the manufacturing sector in Western New York, the state will continue to leverage these kinds of investments to strengthen the local economy."

The New York Power Authority board of trustees approved NYPA's 2014 operating plan (budget) that continues to invest in its 16 power plants and transmission facilities - critical New York state energy infrastructure - and in its cost-effective energy efficiency projects at local and state government facilities statewide.

The 2014 operating plan includes an operations and maintenance budget of $379.3 million; a capital budget of $279.3 million, an increase of $87 million over the budgeted amount for 2013; and an energy services budget of $222.3 million, an increase of $22 million over the 2013 budgeted amount.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the New York Power Authority board of trustees approved another round of low-cost power allocations under his statewide ReCharge NY program. The nearly 33 megawatts of low-cost power will be distributed among 47 enterprises at 53 facilities and are expected to leverage an estimated $1 billion in capital investments. This round of allocations is supporting nearly 17,000 jobs.

"ReCharge NY has been creating and retaining thousands of jobs for New Yorkers since power began flowing under the program in July 2012," Cuomo said.

In comments submitted Monday to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and a coalition of attorneys general from 11 other states and the District of Columbia argue that, in order to substantially reduce dangerous climate-change pollution from existing fossil-fuel power plants, the agency must both set strong emission limits and give states flexibility on how they choose to meet those limits.

The comments lay out the legal requirements for the EPA to take action against climate-change pollution under the federal Clean Air Act.

As part of round III of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's Regional Council initiative, the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council was awarded $60.8 million for 81 projects last week in Albany. The priority capital projects awarded funding include projects that support the region's 2011 strategic plan, "A Strategy for Prosperity." These projects focus on strategies that promote smart growth, workforce development and entrepreneurship. In total, $715.9 million was awarded throughout the state through round III of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

It is time for the second annual Holiday LASIK Giveaway at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare. "Like" the doctors' Facebook page, get the official rules, then submit a brief essay telling them why you or someone else you know should win free eye surgery.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman praised Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Benjamin M. Lawsky, superintendent of the department of financial services, this week for issuing new regulations permitting "shared appreciation" mortgage modifications in New York. Under a shared appreciation modification, a bank or mortgage servicer agrees to reduce the outstanding principal balance on a borrower's mortgage in exchange for a share of any future increase in the value of the home. For borrowers who are underwater on their mortgage, owing more than their home is worth, shared appreciation modifications can significantly improve their chances of avoiding foreclosure.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman sent letters to the CEOs of Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, United States Cellular Corp. and Sprint seeking information regarding their decision to prohibit Samsung from pre-loading an opt-out "kill switch" application on approved smartphones. This default feature would enable legitimate smartphone users to "brick" their stolen phones remotely and render them permanently inoperable when they fall into the wrong hands.

In the past year, Better Business Bureau has shut down more than 100 fraudulent websites that illegally stole the famous BBB logo and implied they are legitimate sites. A noticeable trend recently is websites that include the word "overstock" in the domain name, hoping to fool consumers into thinking they are shopping with overstock.com.

Overstock.com is a highly visible online retailer, and major retailers have had their names used for similar scams. BBB is warning consumers to be careful and look for the real domain when it comes to major retail sites.

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont, announced today the previously announced acquisition of Tops Holding II by a group of senior managers led by Tops president and CEO Frank Curci, closed Dec. 1.

During the past six years under Curci's leadership, Tops has more than doubled its number of stores, added new jobs and expanded is geographic reach into eastern and northern New York, Vermont and northern Pennsylvania.

Gov. Cuomo has announced that, as part of his Buffalo Billion initiative, New York will build a state-of-the-art anchor hub facility for high tech and green energy businesses at RiverBend in the City of Buffalo.

Two companies at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, Soraa and Silevo, will collectively invest $1.5 billion into the project and relocate major parts of their operations to Buffalo, creating 850 permanent jobs and at least 500 construction jobs and attracting additional manufacturing companies to the site.

RiverBend, formerly Republic Steel, is a 90-acre site that is ready for development.